2010 Ranger 4WD Light on/won't engage.
 

Hi folks, this last Saturday I was leaving an off-road situation, so I had my 4x4 HI setting engaged. As I prepared to get back on pavement, I switched back to 2x4, and I heard the familiar clicking sound. However, usually I hear two clicks, and, to the best of my knowledge and recollection, I only heard a single click.

Furthermore, the 4x4 dash light stayed lit.

It would seem that 4WD is not actually engaged still, despite the light. It's driving as if it's in 2WD. I've tried to switch back to 4WD High, and even to 4WD Low, and nothing happens. No clicks. No lights (or lack of lights) other than that 4x4 light just stays on.

I'm basically stupid when it comes to any technical aspects of my truck, but would like to know what's happening.

There are some similar instances of this happening on this board, but nothing that is specific enough for me to think that it's the exact same issue. Any ideas?

Thanks folks.

Welcome to the forum

Most likely a blown fuse

Below is the wiring diagram for 2010 4WD circuit, check those fuses.

The 4WD lights are from the 4WD module and the contacts inside the shift motor
As the shift motor turns the contacts inside open and close so 4WD module "knows" where motor/shifter is at all times.
If a fuse blew as motor was activated then it could have moved shifter enough to disengage 4WD but not far enough to open 4WD contact so light stays on.
And if blown fuse is for the motor then it will not move to 4low, 4 high or 2WD any more, so contacts do not change and 4WD light stays on

Thanks so much for your reply. So, I just want to make sure I know what I'm looking at and what I need to do so that I can check those fuses.

On the diagram, and in that 4WD Control module (to be found near the passenger door?), I am wanting to look at items 11 and 20. In order to test them, what equipment do I need?

If I'm having this much trouble understanding where to look, should I just take it somewhere? I'm just trying to save some money, but I'm pretty auto-illiterate.

4WD control module was moved around in the Rangers so I can't tell you exactly where it would be.
They started off being behind the radio and slowly progressed over to the passenger dash and then kick panel I think

Looks to me like 11 would have a stable voltage, like 5volts
That voltage goes to the 4WD switch and passes thru 1 of 3 resistors, so voltage is reduced, meaning 20 would have lower voltage than 11
I would assume the resistors are of different values so as switch was moved the voltage at 20 would change.
The 4WD module would have preset voltages in memory so if for example it was getting 4volts on 20 it would select 2WD
3volts on 20 = 4high
2 volts on 20 = 4low

But any change in voltage could be correct, Ford doesn't publish that kind of data except in EVTMs

So you could test voltages with a multi-meter and sewing pin
Set meter to 20vDC
Ground meters black probe
Put sewing pin into wire at 11
Key on
Touch meters red probe to pin to see what voltage is

Thats the reference voltage

Move pin to 20 and test voltage
Rotate 4WD switch and test

Now I doubt it is the switch that is the problem, but you can test it
The 4WD modules did fail on these, and not sure of specific test that will determine that

However you have a newer ranger and wrecking yards will probably have these 4WD modules for a good price